COUNTY NEWS: West Bromwich Albion sends condolences to Sussex family after fatal A28 collision

West Bromwich Albion Football Club has pledged its support following confirmation that midfielder Gareth Barry’s 39-year-old brother died in a road traffic collision in Sussex last week.

Marc Barry, 39 from Westfield, died when the white Mercedes Vito van he was travelling in collided with a black Nissan Qashqai on the A28 Brede Hill, at about 7am on Thursday, July 19, a Sussex Police spokesman said.

Former Premier League star Gareth was granted compassionate leave following the incident on Thursday morning, before returning to training this week. He featured in a behind-closed-doors match against Brentford on Tuesday.

Head coach Darren Moore said Gareth would be given full support from the club and further compassionate leave if required.

Darren said: “This is terrible news for Gareth and his family and everyone at the club extends their condolences.

“Gareth knows that he can rely on our full support and understanding in helping him cope with this tragic event.”

Marc’s father Stan paid tribute. He said: “Marc was a very warm and sociable man, he loved spending time with his family and his friends.

“He was a good, hard working man, who loved his family especially his two boys Zac and Louie who he was so proud of. He was very happy in his relationship with his girlfriend Leanne.

“We are all totally devastated that our Marc has been taken away from us in the prime of his life. He leaves behind a mother, father, girlfriend, three brothers, two sisters and two sons who all loved him dearly and it is something as a family we will never get over.

“I would like to thank everyone for the support and kind wishes we have received since Marc’s passing.”

On Twitter, Gareth Barry’s former club Aston Villa Football Club also sent condolences and ‘best wishes to Gareth and his family at this difficult time’.

Everton, another of Gareth’s former teams, said on Twitter: “The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gareth Barry and his family after the sad news of his brother’s passing.”

Police are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has any dash cam or CCTV in the area, to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Barbican.